Costco offers Aetna insurance to California members

The Costco Personal Health Insurance program includes five plans and offers broad medical benefits, dental options and a large network of doctors and hospitals. The program also is available to members of the club retailer in Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia. Aetna plans to expand the program to other markets in the coming months.

"We recognize the importance of providing affordable health solutions that deliver value and convenience to individuals and families," Aetna head of individual business Barbara DeMaio said. "We are proud to join with a respected retailer like Costco to provide health insurance options to their members in California."

Aetna said Costco was providing such benefits as lower copays on prescriptions at Costco pharmacies to members, and plans include special features and lower monthly premiums negotiated only for Costco members.

"There are a variety of plan types to choose from, each offering the right combination of quality, value and special members-only benefits," Costco director of insurance services John Conlon said.